Final day

On my last day, I was sad to be leaving Hamilton, I had not visited all the attractions that I had wished to. All in all, I enjoyed my time in Hamilton. Visiting attractions that were unique to Hamilton and the Waikato region, gave me an insight to the age levels, and portraying of ages within Hamilton. I came on this trip to increase my knowledge of age, and further research age identity and social capital that is gained, I personally increased my social capital after visiting these destinations.

Transportation

Within Hamilton, there are many different options to get around the city. The main way is via the free buses around the city centre, and then on the outskirts there are the buses that travel through the outer suburbs of Hamilton. Another main way to get around the city, are the many different taxi companies that are forever waiting to pick up people to take to their destinations.

Hamilton Zoo

Visiting the Hamilton Zoo was going to be one of my highlights. Fortunately the weather held out, and did not rain like the past few days. The Hamilton Zoo had an authentic experience about it, in that the majority of the animals held within the grounds of the zoo, are not native animals to New Zealand, but yet there enclosures were made to look similar as if they were in the wild. The zoo was set out for all ages, paths to follow, allowing for easy access to all the enclosures, and a section for younger ages.

Hamilton Gardens

The Hamilton Gardens is designed for all tourist age levels to participate in. The different gardens target different types of people, although as I found out most tourists go to visit them all, not just a particular type of garden. Whilst this attraction has been constructed for the benefit of the tourist, it is a different experience and a kind of an authentic experience, due to the many overseas gardens available to view. This experience is authentic as the gardens such as Chinese, Italian, Indian, etc are not common to New Zealand. The gardens are an opportunity for local, and tourists to be more culturally aware of the gardens, plants, and trees that are readily available for all to use.

Hamilton 400 and Huntly speedfest

Whilst many women do not attend car events, I regularly attend and participate within these sporting events generally dominated by males. It was only necessary for me to go and visit one of the biggest motor sporting events in New Zealand. I visited the Huntly Speedway, Best of the Best Speedfest, on the Thursday night, and then joined the experience of Hamilton 400. People from all around New Zealand come to view the V8s and view the drivers over the four days the cars were in Hamilton. This event is socially constructed and if you attend this event it is perceived you are gaining and building your social capital. The events within the Hamilton 400 weekend were also staged such as the extra entertainment, and the planning of the super 14 rugby game in Hamilton, on the Friday night, within the circuit. This extra entertainment was of benefit to the thousands of extra people gathered to view the 400. Age was shown at both Huntly Speedfest, and Hamilton 400. At Huntly, people of all ages were viewing this attraction. Whilst there was also people as young as 18 competing in these races, according to the commentary that night.

Night life in Hamilton

Whilst out partaking in the night life of Hamilton, the numbers of younger people was astonishing. Visiting Hamilton’s bars and clubs on a Saturday night really shows the range in ages that visit the many bars and clubs in and around Victoria Street. The range in ages from older teenagers through to older parents demonstrates that Age is not just a number, but it can also be youthfulness and depending on the situation, can depend on your stance as a tourist. Youth can be socially constructed as well as an age number. Age can also be social rather than just biological. Meaning although a person is of a particular age, if they act and wish to fit within a particular social group they will act that age in order to fit in.

Hamilton Museum

Hamilton museum is suited for all ages. It is educational through the different exhibits available to be viewed. I noticed the different exhibits were suited for both different ages and were informative about the Maori culture. For the younger ages, a more educational approach is taken, with exhibits shown via a hands’ on and feel approach. It enables younger people to interact with the exhibits whilst also learning about different activities etc around Hamilton. Exhibits targeting the older population appeared more informative. The museum was set in away, that encourages you to follow the paths around the museum, in a semi chronological order, unless you were like myself and started at the wrong end.

Matamata, Hobbiton

The filming of Lord of The Rings trilogy has brought money and tourists to the small town of Matamata. Whilst many tourists visit this attraction, it appears the main age group that visits is families and teenagers, although all ages are welcome. Whilst visiting the farm I learnt little snippets about the owners of the farm, and how the movie came to being filmed at Matamata. The owners have built this attraction up, and now it is not just an ex movie set, there is a little farm to allow tourists that are not from farms the opportunity to partake in some little farming activities. Whilst on the tour of the set, the tour guide, explained about the new film that is going to start being filmed at the end of the year.

Matamata, Firth Tower

I spent the day over in Matamata, viewing the two main attractions whilst there.
Firth Tower is a historical building on the outskirts of Matamata. It is a very important building in the Matamata Piako district. It was built by Josiah Firth in 1882. The purpose of this tower was to protect and survey the surrounding country, to ensure the people of the Matamata district were always aware of the situation around them. The firth tower is enriched in history, particularly history of Josiah Firth building the tower and owning the surrounding farmland. The set up of the tower is set in a way that the older populations can relieve and replenish any memories they have from early years, photos around the different rooms are used to replenish these memories. The younger generation are able to experience what it was like to live, with activities such as dressing in older clothes, using writing implements etc. The firth tower appeals to various ages, and targets a range of audiences. Whilst these exhibits are socially constructed to suit the tourists of today, the exhibits are based on factual knowledge gathered by older members of the Matamata community.

Accommodation within Hamilton

Hamilton’s accommodation ranges from luxury apartments to backpackers. The range of accommodation suits the range of tourists that visit Hamilton. The backpackers up the northern end of Victoria Street are more typically suited for younger tourists, tourists this age, are often free independent tourists, and tourists that travel around on the own accord, and generally have not pre purchased any activities or attractions. The many motels along Ulster Street, are generally available, although on Hamilton 400 weekend, as I experienced were completely full.

Arriving into New Zealand and Hamilton

Arriving into Hamilton, I am excited to further my research of age and identity in tourist perceptions. Before arriving into Hamilton, I had to do a little research on the city first, as to what I could expect on my holiday. According to the pamphlets, and many brochures that I had viewed, Hamilton was the new and upcoming events capital of New Zealand, including events such as the feildays, and Hamilton 400. Unfortunately I timed my trip wrong and missed the National feildays, a attraction that brings many farmers and older people to the city. Arriving in the main street, heading to my accommodation for the next few days, I thought it would be appropriate to stay in many different types of accommodation. This enabled me to experience the accommodation that different tourists stay in whilst on holiday.